Z axis only goes down. 1.5+ Dual

#1
I've updated the firmware, and increased to potentiometer voltage for Z outputs. Manually moving Z axis with the LCD results in downward movements, regardless of whether I try to move it up or down. When I increased the potentiometer voltage, it did seem to have a minor effect of causing an occasional upward motion, however brief, and inconsistent. I feel like the Gantry for the extruder is too heavy for two motors running off of one card, but on research I can't seem to find anyone else that's having this problem with this model. Is there a ground or connection that may be torched? I'm out of ideas. HELP!!!!!!